Avoidance of user discomfort due to pressure differences by vent valve, and associated systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed for avoidance of user discomfort due to pressure differences by vent valve. In one embodiment, a method for equalizing air pressure in ear canal includes sensing a pressure difference between a pressure in ear canal (P EC ) and an ambient pressure (P AMB ) by a sensor of a hearing device. Based on sensing the pressure difference, an active valve is set to a first position to open a vent through the hearing device or to a second position to close the vent through the hearing device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hearing instruments, and moreparticularly relates to methods and apparatuses for avoiding adiscomfort caused by pressure differences between the ambient airpressure and the air pressure in the ear canal. In particular, suchdiscomfort may be related to an insertion and a removal of the hearingdevice.

BACKGROUND

Hearing devices (also referred to as “hearing aid devices” or “hearingaids”) are designed to be worn continuously behind the ear or inside theear for extended periods of time. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of ahearing device inside the ear canal in accordance with prior art. Theillustrated prior art hearing device 300 seals the cavity between theeardrum and the outside ambient as the housing of the hearing devicelaterally contacts the surrounding tissue of an ear canal 100. As aresult, a relatively small sealed cavity is created between a medial endof the hearing device 300M and the eardrum 110. The pressure inside thissealed cavity is referred to as P_(EC) (pressure in the ear canal). Thepressure on the opposite, lateral end 300L of the hearing device isgenerally close to the ambient pressure, and is referred to as P_(AMB).

Hearing devices must be accessed from time to time to, for example,adjust their settings, recharge the device, reprogram the device, etc.Typical hearing devices are removed from the ear on a daily basis (e.g.,during the night). Rapid removal or insertion of the hearing devicecauses a correspondingly rapid decrease or increase of pressure in thecavity between the hearing device and the eardrum. Such rapid pressurechanges cause users to experience discomfort, and may even rupture theeardrum. The discomfort can also be caused under other scenarios, forexample, by changes in pressure during travelling by airplane or byrapid changes in elevation, for instance when traveling on a mountaingondola or in an elevator.

With some conventional technologies, the hearing device includes one ormore vents that connect the medial end 300M with the lateral end 300L ofthe hearing device. However, such vents also affect the operatingcharacteristics of the hearing device. For example, as the amplifiedsound is directed toward the eardrum, the sound waves reflect, partlyback-propagating through the vent toward the lateral end 300L, and thenimpinging back on the microphone at the lateral end 300L of the hearingdevice, where the sound is again amplified. Such positive feedbackamplification may quickly generate annoyingly high sound levels,comparable to the positive feedback problems that are sometimesexperienced at large concert venues. Additionally, such vents tend toreduce fidelity of the low frequency sound.

Some other conventional technologies rely on flaps in the vents toreduce the above-described positive feedback. In operation, a pressuredifferential (if existing) forces the flap to open a path through thevent, resulting in the equalization of P_(EC) with P_(AMB). However, inoperation, these flaps may get stuck in their open or closed position,which either disables their intended function (when stuck closed), orresults in the positive feedback (when stuck open). Furthermore, evenwhen operating as designed, flaps open and close at relatively smallpressure differentials, therefore causing constant changes in thequality of the sound, as perceived by the user. For example, even oneflight of stairs may be enough to open, and then close the vents,affecting the quality of sound, and therefore annoying the user. Afurther disadvantage of a flap-based design is that the vent is notfully sealed. Instead, a residual acoustic leakage remains.

Accordingly, there remains a need for reliable methods and systems forreducing user discomfort by pressure differences between the ambientpressure and the pressure in the ear canal, while preserving quality ofthe sound perceived by the user.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter.

The inventive technology is directed to the equalization of pressure inthe cavity between the hearing device and the eardrum (P_(EC)) againstthe outside ambient pressure (P_(AMB)). As a result, user discomfortcaused by these static pressure differences is reduced. In someembodiments, the medial end of the hearing device (facing the eardrum)is connected with the lateral side of the hearing device (facing theoutside ambient) through a vent that has an active valve. In operation,the active valve is opened based on a pressure difference between P_(EC)and P_(AMB) exceeding a predetermined threshold value. During normaloperation, the active valve may remain closed to reduce the positivefeedback of sound and to improve the quality of sound. As a result, thehighly discomforting experiences related to the insertion and removal ofthe hearing device (also referred to as “hearing aid” or “hearing aiddevice”) may be reduced, while also avoiding the constantopening/closing of the vent that may annoy the user.

In some embodiments, the opening and closing of the active valve may betriggered by contact sensors on the surface of the hearing aid. Forexample, as the user touches the hearing device to insert or remove thedevice, a controller may drive the active valve into its open positionto allow equalization between P_(EC) and P_(AMB).

In operation, removal of the hearing device from its charger typicallyprecedes the insertion of the device in the ear by a short duration oftime. Therefore, in some embodiments, when the device is disconnectedfrom the charger or when the device is turned on, the controllertriggers a period of time (e.g., 5-30 sec) during which the active valveremains open.

In one embodiment, a method for equalizing air pressure in the ear canalincludes: sensing a pressure difference between a pressure in ear canal(P_(EC)) and an ambient pressure (P) by a sensor of a hearing device;and based on sensing the pressure difference, setting an active valve toa first position to open a vent through the hearing device or to asecond position to close the vent through the hearing device.

In one aspect, the sensor is a differential pressure sensor configuredto sense the pressure difference between the P_(EC) and the P_(AMB).

In another aspect, the sensor includes a first pressure sensor,configured to sense a first environmental condition corresponding to theP_(EC) and a second sensor configured to sense a second environmentalcondition corresponding to the P_(AMB). The method further includesdetermining a difference between the first environmental condition andthe second environmental condition.

In one aspect, the method also includes: touching a touch sensor by auser; and in response to touching the touch sensor, setting the activevalve to the first position to open the vent.

In one aspect, the method also includes: activating a timer of thehearing device; and in response to activating the timer, maintaining theactive valve in its open state for a predetermined duration of time.

In one aspect, the predetermined duration of time is between 5 secondsand 30 seconds.

In another aspect, the timer is activated by removing the hearing devicefrom a charging station.

In one aspect, the method also includes: inserting the hearing deviceinto an ear of a user; emitting a test acoustic signal by a receiver ofthe hearing device; receiving a return acoustic signal by the receiver;and based on the return signal, determining whether the vent is closed.

In one aspect, the hearing device is selected from a group consisting ofa completely-in-ear-canal (CIC) hearing device, a receiver-in-canal(RIC) hearing device, a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device, and anin-the-ear (ITE) hearing device.

In another aspect, the hearing device is selected from a groupconsisting of an audio reproduction device, a hearable, an earphone, anda hearing assistive device.

In one embodiment, a hearing device includes: a housing that comprises avent connecting a medial side of the hearing device to a lateral side ofthe hearing device; at least one pressure sensor configured to sense apressure difference between a pressure in ear canal (P_(EC)) of a userand an ambient pressure (P_(AMB)); and an active valve configured toopen and close the vent based on a reading of the at least one sensor.

In one aspect, the at least one pressure sensor is a differentialpressure sensor.

In one aspect, the at least one pressure sensor comprises a first sensorconfigured to sense the E_(EC), and a second sensor configured to sensethe P_(AMB).

In one aspect, the hearing device also includes a touch sensorconfigured to sense handling of the hearing device.

In one aspect, the hearing device also includes a removal handleattached to the housing of the hearing device, where the removal handlecarries the touch sensor.

In another aspect, the removal handle connects an in-the-ear piece witha behind-the-ear piece of the hearing aid device.

In one aspect, the hearing device also includes a timer configured tomaintain the active valve in its open state for a predetermined durationof time.

In another aspect, the timer is activated by removing the hearing devicefrom a charging station.

In one aspect, the hearing device also includes an acoustic receiverconfigured to amplify acoustic signals.

In one aspect, the hearing device is selected from a group consisting ofa completely-in-ear-canal (CIC) hearing device, a receiver-in-canal(RIC) hearing device, a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device, and anin-the-ear (ITE) hearing device.

In another aspect, the hearing device is selected from a groupconsisting of an audio reproduction device, a hearable, an earphone, anda hearing assistive device.

In one aspect, the hearing device also includes a controller configuredto receive readout data from the at least one sensor and to send controldata to the active valve.

In one aspect, the hearing device also includes at least one movementdetection sensor selected from a group consisting of an accelerometer, agyroscope, a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer and a MEMSgyroscope.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and the attendant advantages of the inventivetechnology will become more readily appreciated as the same becomebetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a hearing device inside an ear canal inaccordance with prior art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a hearing device inside the ear canal inaccordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a hearing device inside the ear canal inaccordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed technology; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a receiver of a hearing device inaccordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes various embodiments of systems andassociated methods for in-ear acoustic readout of data from a hearinginstrument. A person skilled in the art will also understand that thetechnology may have additional embodiments, and that the technology maybe practiced without several of the details of the embodiments describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a hearing device 3000 inside the ear canalin accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.When inserted into the ear canal 100, the hearing device 3000 seals thecavity against the eardrum 110. Therefore, pressure P_(EC) in the sealedcavity may differ from the P_(AMB) at the opposite side of the hearingdevice 3000, thus generating a net force on the hearing device which mayhurt or annoy the user.

In some embodiments, the hearing device 3000 includes a vent 400 thatconnects the sealed cavity at P_(EC) with the opposite, ambient side ofthe hearing device. In operation, a pressure sensor 420 measures thepressure difference between P_(EC) and P_(AMB), while an active valve410 (also referred to as a “vent valve”) keeps the vent 400 closed. Inat least some embodiments, keeping the active valve 410 closed improvesquality of sound that the user experiences. If the pressure differencebetween the P_(AMB) and P_(EC) (“environmental conditions”) exceeds apredetermined threshold P_(LIMIT), a controller 330 or other controllingunit of the hearing a device may send command data that opens the valve410, thus enabling equalization between the P_(AMB) and P_(EC). As aresult, the user experiences less discomfort when, for example, thehearing device is removed or inserted, or during other events that causepressure differences between P_(AMB) and P_(EC) (e.g., during a flight).After the pressure is equalized between P_(AMB) and E_(EC), the valve410 may close to, for example, maintain quality of sound transmissionduring operation of the hearing device 3000. In different embodiments,the value of predetermined threshold P_(LIMIT) may be selected so as tonot cause opening of the valve 410 during a small change in pressure(e.g., caused by a short elevator ride).

Some nonexclusive examples of the valve 410 includemicro-electromechanical (MEMS) or miniature electromechanical valves.Some nonexclusive examples of the pressure sensors 420 include MEMSpressure sensors or differential pressure sensors. In some embodiments,the differential pressure sensor 420 may include two individual pressuresensors 422-1 and 422-2 each capable of sensing the absolute pressure.In operation, the controller 330 and the valve 410 may derive power froma battery 335.

While a completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing device is illustrated in FIG.2, other types of the hearing devices are also within the bounds of thisspecification. Some nonexclusive examples of such hearing devices arereceiver-in-canal (MC), behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE)hearing devices. Furthermore, passive hearing protection plugs areincluded, when having suitable electrical power and controls. Forexample, when inserted, the hearing protection plugs seal the ear canalfor improved sound isolation. However, this sealing increases the riskof discomfort, pain or even rupturing of the drum when inserting orremoving the hearing protections plug. Other examples of the hearingdevices include audio reproduction devices, hearables, earphones,hearing assistive devices and the like.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a hearing device 3000 inside the ear canalin accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.The illustrated hearing device 3000 includes a receiver 310 that emitsamplified sound waves through an opening 314. In some embodiments, adome 340 of the hearing device 3000 carries a differential pressuresensor 420 (or two individual pressure sensors that collectively operateas a differential pressure sensor). The dome 340 may have a vent withthe valve 410 that opens and closes based on a pressure differencebetween P_(AMB) and P_(EC).

In some embodiments, the hearing device includes a handle 330 (alsoreferred to as a “cable” or a “removal handle”) to assist insertion andremoval of the device. In some embodiments, one or more touch sensors313 are operationally connected with the controller 330 such thattouching the sensor 313 activates the active valve 410 into its openposition. In some embodiments, the handle 330 connects an in-the-earpiece with a behind-the-ear piece (not shown) of the hearing aid device.In different embodiments, one or more sensors 313 may be located onother parts of the hearing device 3000 that are contacted as the userhandles the device.

In some embodiments, a removal of the hearing device 3000 from itscharger generally precedes the insertion of the device in the ear by ashort duration of time. Therefore, in some embodiments, when the hearingdevice is disconnected from the charger or when the device is turned on,the controller triggers a period of time (e.g., 5-30 sec) during whichthe active valve remains open.

In other embodiments, the sensors may be a hearing device microphone ora hearing aid ear canal microphone. In different embodiments, thesensors that trigger the controller may include movement detectionsensors, such as accelerometers or gyroscopes, for example MEMSaccelerometers and MEMS gyroscopes. The pressure sensors, touch sensors,timers and other sensors may trigger the active valve based on differentphysical parameters, as described above. These physical parameters areherein collectively referred to as the environmental conditions.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a receiver 350 of a hearing device inaccordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. Theillustrated receiver includes a pair of magnets 352 and an armature 354.In operation, the magnetic field created by the magnets 352 and thearmature 354 forces an actuator 356 into actuation 356 a, which, inturn, generates sound waves 360 that propagate toward the eardrum of theuser.

In some embodiments, the receiver 350 may carry the pressure sensor 420.For example, one side of the differential pressure sensor 420 may beexposed to P_(AMB) through a pressure sensing path 422 on the receiver,while the other side of the differential pressure sensor is exposed toP_(EC) through the opening 314. In the illustrated embodiment, theactive valve 410 opens and closes the vent that connects P_(AMB) andP_(EC).

Many embodiments of the technology described above may take the form ofcomputer-executable or controller-executable instructions, includingroutines stored on non-transitory memory and executed by a programmablecomputer or controller. Those skilled in the relevant art willappreciate that the technology can be practiced on computer/controllersystems other than those shown and described above. The technology canbe embodied in a special-purpose computer, application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), controller or data processor that isspecifically programmed, configured or constructed to perform one ormore of the computer-executable instructions described above. In manyembodiments, any logic or algorithm described herein can be implementedin software or hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thedisclosure. Moreover, while various advantages and features associatedwith certain embodiments have been described above in the context ofthose embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantagesand/or features, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit suchadvantages and/or features to fall within the scope of the technology.Accordingly, the disclosure can encompass other embodiments notexpressly shown or described herein.

I/We claim:
 1. A method for equalizing air pressure in ear canal, themethod comprising: sensing a pressure difference between a pressure inear canal (P_(EC)) and an ambient pressure (P_(AmB)) by a sensor of ahearing device; and based on sensing the pressure difference, setting anactive valve to a first position to open a vent through the hearingdevice or to a second position to close the vent through the hearingdevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a differentialpressure sensor configured to sense the pressure difference between theP_(EC) and the P_(AMB).
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensorcomprises a first pressure sensor, configured to sense a firstenvironmental condition corresponding to the P_(EC) and a secondpressure sensor configured to sense a second environmental conditioncorresponding to the P_(AMB), the method further comprising: determininga difference between the first environmental condition and the secondenvironmental condition.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:touching a touch sensor by a user; and in response to touching the touchsensor, setting the active valve to the first position to open the vent.5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: activating a timer of thehearing device; and in response to activating the timer, maintaining theactive valve in its open state for a predetermined duration of time. 6.The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined duration of time isbetween 5 seconds and 30 seconds.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein thetimer is activated by removing the hearing device from a chargingstation.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: inserting thehearing device into an ear of a user; emitting a test acoustic signal bya receiver of the hearing device; receiving a return acoustic signal bythe receiver; and based on the return signal, determining whether thevent is closed.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the hearing device isselected from a group consisting of a completely-in-ear-canal (CIC)hearing device, a receiver-in-canal (MC) hearing device, abehind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device, and an in-the-ear (ITE) hearingdevice.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the hearing device isselected from a group consisting of an audio reproduction device, ahearable, an earphone, and a hearing assistive device.
 11. A hearingdevice, comprising: a housing that comprises a vent connecting a medialside of the hearing device to a lateral side the hearing device; atleast one pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure differencebetween a pressure in ear canal (P_(EC)) of a user and an ambientpressure (P_(AMB)); and an active valve configured to open and close thevent based on an output of the at least one sensor.
 12. The device ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is a differentialpressure sensor.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the at least onepressure sensor comprises a first sensor configured to sense the E_(EC),and a second sensor configured to sense the P_(AMB).
 14. The device ofclaim 11, further comprising a touch sensor configured to sense handlingof the hearing device.
 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising aremoval handle attached to the housing of the hearing device, whereinthe removal handle carries the touch sensor.
 16. The device of claim 15,wherein the removal handle connects an in-the-ear piece with abehind-the-ear piece of the hearing aid device.
 17. The device of claim11, further comprising a timer configured to maintain the active valvein its open state for a predetermined duration of time.
 18. The deviceof claim 17, wherein the timer is activated by removing the hearingdevice from a charging station.
 19. The device of claim 11, furthercomprising an acoustic receiver configured to amplify acoustic signals.20. The device of claim 19, wherein the hearing device is selected froma group consisting of a completely-in-ear-canal (CIC) hearing device, areceiver-in-canal (MC) hearing device, a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearingdevice, and an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing device.
 21. The device of claim11, wherein the hearing device is selected from a group consisting of anaudio reproduction device, a hearable, an earphone, and a hearingassistive device.
 22. The device of claim 11, further comprising acontroller configured to receive readout data from the at least onesensor and to send control data to the active valve.
 23. The device ofclaim 11, further comprising at least one movement detection sensorselected from a group consisting of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, amicro-electromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer and a MEMS gyroscope.